Our History

Dick and Janet Besse, who owned the Skaneateles Sailboat Shop, founded the Skaneateles Sailing Club (SSC) in 1976. The SSC was an outgrowth of the Skaneateles Sailing Association, which had been in existence since 1962 to offer racing and sailing events but without a property. For many years the Club sub-leased the property at 2745 East Lake Road, the former site of the East Side Marina from Dick Besse who leased the propertyfrom the owners. Dick ultimately purchased the property, and when the club matured and stabilized, he and Janet deeded the property to the Club in 1995. This gift secured the future of this club in this beautiful place. Future generations of sailors will learn to sail and experience the beauty of Skaneateles Lake.

Both Dick and Janet Besse died in late 2004. But their rich legacy, which is so important to the club, will continue into the future. Dick and Janet loved sailing, Skaneateles Lake and the club they established. In November 1995, Dick wrote a letter to the Club, which is now framed and hangs in the clubhouse as a reminder to the current membership. Dick wrote “my hope and advice for the future (of the SSC) is that:

It remain small simple, friendly and self reliant

The art of sailing and seamanship be encouraged and taught; that this not limited to members only, that subsidizing this effort can be justified

Select one design fleets be encouraged

Sailors and sailing receive first priority for the club’s efforts and expenditures

There be an annual capital budget as well as an annual operating budget

The property’s deed restrictions and protective covenants be faithfully respected

The good fortune of having the mortgage paid off will not diminish the club’s tradition of volunteerism, self-help and financial conservatism.”

The bylaws of the SSC, also authored by Dick, clearly articulate the purpose of this club:

To promote the sport of sailing

To encourage racing and seamanship skills

To promote safety in sailing

To provide and maintain a suitable site on Skaneateles Lake

To protect the purity and natural beauty of Skaneateles Lake

The Skaneateles Sailing Club provides low cost access to the lake for sailing and the opportunity to participate in a community of enthusiastic sailors. Following the guidance of the Besses, our founders and sailing mentors, the SSC remains a self- help organization that offers a variety of sailing opportunities for its members. The club has workdays to open and close the season. Members are expected to participate in these work opportunities in addition to other efforts to maintain the club as needed. A board of governors, elected from the membership, plans and directs the yearly activities of the club. The club owns a number of Lasers and two Flying Scots, which may be used by members.

There has been a long tradition of racing that, while once stronger perhaps than it is today, is an important component of the life of this club. Whether it is participation in the all-lake Sandbagger Series or informal Wednesday night racing, club members find that racing sharpens their sailing skills. Many of the club’s experienced sailors readily mentor and help new sailors. Informal sharing of sailing experiences, particularly racing, occurs regularly over a beer and some snacks around the picnic table by the lake. Current members sail Flying Scots, Lasers, Catalinas, Tanzers, and assorted other classes.

An important part of the racing program at the club is the sponsoring of one design racing and occasionally hosting regattas that attract visiting sailors to Skaneateles. The District Flying Scot Race has been held at SSC on several occasions and a Bucanneer invitational was held in 2007. This provides the Club with the opportunity to participate in some “serious” racing as well as to help with the organization of a regatta and to socialize with other sailors.

The Club also provides a number of social events. There is always a spring and fall dinner at the clubhouse to begin and end the season. Depending on the desires of the current membership other social events have included picnics (from bring-you-own sandwich to a catered clambake,) Sunday brunches with “chalk talks,” dinner cruises to a restaurant or a cruise to Skaneateles to listen to concerts in the park.

The Besse Clubhouse, named in honor of our founders, has been remodeled extensively over the years. It has a large open space for gatherings and meetings, a small deck that faces the lake, restrooms and a small but very functional kitchen.

The Skaneateles Sailing Club is informal and friendly. There is no dress code; there are no fancy rules for membership. The SSC is for sailors who appreciate a beautiful lake and enjoy the company of other sailors.